Mariners dispatch Peabody with ease to reach state finals

Tuesday

Jul 31, 2007 at 12:01 AMJul 31, 2007 at 9:55 PM

Peter Kinchley worked six strong innings on the hill and homeruns by Wes Geraci, John Hicks and Doug Shribman paced an explosive offense that led the host Swampscott Mariners to a 13-1 slaughter rule-shortened triumph over Peabody at Swampscott High July 30.

By Eli Pearlstein

Peter Kinchley worked six strong innings on the hill and homeruns by Wes Geraci, John Hicks and Doug Shribman paced an explosive offense that led the host Swampscott Mariners to a 13-1 slaughter rule-shortened triumph over Peabody at Swampscott High July 30. With the victory, Swampscott managed to record its second consecutive series sweep and will return to the American Legion baseball state finals for the first time since 2004.

The Mariners will open up the state finals against Brockton at Hudson’s Riverside Park Saturday, starting at 12:30 p.m.

The locals started their assault on Peabody pitching in the home half of the first. With two outs and two on, first baseman Andrew Dewing roped a run-scoring single to left to give his side a 1-0 advantage. Right-fielder John Hicks then proceeded to launch a three-run homerun to right to extend the lead to 4-0. Second baseman Wes Geraci and catcher Doug Shribman added solo homeruns in the second and third innings, respectively to increase the lead to 6-0.

Peabody managed to plate its first run of the game in the top half of the fourth to cut the deficit to 6-1, but Swampscott blew the game open with a seven-run fifth to chase Peabody starting pitcher Sean O’Hara from the game and increase the advantage to a lopsided 13-1.

Shribman, Dewing, Hicks and third baseman Phill Witt opened the fifth with four straight singles and Witt’s single brought in Shribman from third to account for the seventh run.

After back-to-back strikeouts, centerfielder Brendan Garner walked to knock in the eighth run of the contest. Geraci followed with a looping a two-run double into right to augment Swampscott’s lead to 10-1. After a walk was issued to designated hitter Dan Glabicky, a Peabody wild pitch brought in the 11th run of the contest. Shribman eventually walked, and Dewing cracked his second run-scoring hit of the game, a two-run double to left to give the Mariners a 13-1 advantage and seal Peabody’s fate.

On the mound, Kinchley tossed the first six innings, scattering four hits and two walks, while surrendering just one earned run. He also managed to fan eight to record the victory.

Marblehead’s Dan Glabicky shut Peabody down in the seventh to close it out mercifully.

Coach Jeff Newhall and the Swampscott Mariners are seeking any and all donations to subsidize hotel and travel expenses for their trip to the state finals in Hudson. If you are interested in donating, call Jeff Newhall at 781-727-7623.

It all begins on Saturday, and Swampscott is one of the best eight teams in the entire state.